Monthly Archives: December 2014

After a two and a half million dollar facelift, including architectural services from Excel, the Avalon Theater in Milwaukee has reopened. To read more about this historical building and its unique updating, take a look at the following article from TMJ4.

Bay View’s Avalon Theater reopens after renovations

By Yona Gavino. CREATED Dec 15, 2014 – UPDATED: Dec 15, 2014

MILWAUKEE — The Avalon Theater resembles more old world Spain than Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And it’s open once again for moviegoers.

“This is the most historic theater in the entire state of Wisconsin,” remarks Alderman Tony Zielinski. “And when I say that, I mean that the first talking pictures in the state of Wisconsin occurred here in 1929.”

Moviegoers marvel at the changes from the two and a half million dollar facelift.

Bay View history buff John Manke remembers the theater as a child.

“This theater is living history,” recalls Manke. “You’re walking, and you almost feel like you’re out in the country. You’re looking at Spanish architecture.”

Original updated spaces like this cocktail lounge blend with new decor, like this concession stand.

“It seems like in the last 20, 30 years before it closed down, it got relegated to like a budget-type cinema, and it was really rough in here,” recalls Zielinski

Back inside the cinema, John, his wife and their friend wait for The Hobbit trilogy to start, as they swap stories.

“We remember there was a small screen in here. People used to sneak out the back door and bring people in,” laughs Manke.

On Wednesday, a marquee will be mounted above the front doors. The Avalon Theater’s grand opening is December 18.

Click here for original article: http://www.jrn.com/tmj4/news/Bay-Views-Avalon-Theater-reopens-after-renovations-285886851.html?lc=Smart

The holiday spirit has us feeling generous! We decided to give away SIX $50 Amazon gift cards to those individuals whose names were chosen in our new website contest and drawing. Congratulations to Tracy Geschke, Blake Harmsen, Kent Gard, Larissa Clinard, Charissa Quinlan and Rose Pendleton!

These individuals were tasked to find the misspelled word hidden in our new website. Those who found the word were submitted into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. All of us at Excel would like to thank everyone who participated – this was such an exciting way for us to introduce our new website design! We hope you like our new image!

NOW HIRING! Excel is looking for a Structural Engineer to assist in our Light Gauge department, as well as a Food & Facilities Design Project Manager and a Light Gauge Cad / Revit Technician. To apply, or for more information, visit the ‘Career Opportunities’ on our website: http://lnkd.in/bNqF2PE